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A Faculty Learned in
the Law
Wise,
Thought-provoking, Accessible
Members of the
UC Hastings law faculty are prolific writers of law books, law review
articles, and book reviews. That's standard. They are highly regarded by
students as standout teachers. That's worthy. Their office doors are
rarely closed, an open invitation to talk with students perplexed by a
point of law or pressing a point of their own. That's unusual. Despite
their varied viewpoints and styles, each member of the faculty shares a
commitment to educational excellence. They bring to that commitment
depth in subject matter, a product of the faculty's size; a wealth of
knowledge, the product of exceptional scholarship and extensive
experience in the law; and distinctive classroom presentations, a
product of diverse backgrounds and a high degree of enthusiasm.
Without hesitation
or fear of contradiction, we have apt words to describe our faculty -
enthusiastic, accessible, prolific, considerate, well-versed,
opinionated, sometimes difficult, and oftentimes entertaining. Just ask
our students.
An Emphasis on Teaching
The standard answers students give are that the faculty is mostly really
good, always readily available, at times aloof, but rarely indifferent.
Our faculty is energized by a heady mix of highly qualified newcomers
bearing clerkships with Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals
judges, and stalwarts whose credits include major writings and widely
used textbooks. Our students appreciate the emphasis we put on teaching.
"At Hastings," noted Professor Roger Park, "my colleagues
talk about how to teach, how to teach better, and how to introduce novel
approaches like computer-based courses and multimedia techniques."
Troye Shaffer, from UC Santa Barbara, concurred: "I think most
professors are top notch. They can teach. They are dynamic and
energetic, and they establish a rapport with students, treating us with
respect."
"I'm impressed with a lot of the younger faculty," observed
Randall D. Ingber, from the University of Pennsylvania. "Vibrant
teachers encourage you to learn and do well."
Classes for the Taking
With so many good professors, often deep within their disciplines, the
only quandary faced by our students is to choose among so many
interesting courses. "Because of our size," observed Bill Shie,
from UC Berkeley, "Hastings is able to offer a varied selection of
courses, giving us the opportunity to explore a large number of
interests. The depth in the coursework is the happy result of a faculty
who are extremely qualified." Reinforcing Bill Shie's observation,
Stasi Gallegos, from UC San Diego, maintained that "the array of
courses advertised really is offered. Never once did I not get a class I
wanted."
A Faculty on Call
Faculty members take seriously their availability to students and
students take advantage of that access. Scott Olson, from the University
of Virginia, said during his undergraduate years he "talked only to
TA's. At Hastings it is obvious that our professors, from the most
senior to the most junior, welcome student contact and encourage student
visits." Courtney Coats, from UCLA, said, "I'm an interactive
learner and, for the most part, the faculty promotes that
approach." Aaron Fluss, from UC Davis, described his relationship
with faculty as "generally great. Quite a few are even fabulous.
They make each class interesting, spark debate, listen to your
questions, and challenge you to think out the answers."
Advantages,
Publishing, Supreme
Court Clerks, Faculty
Expertise |
